If FAO Schwartz needed a patron saint, he might have turned to Saint Claude de la Colombiere who is the patron saint of toy makers. He was born to French nobility on February 2, 1641. At an early life he felt called to religious life. He was educated by the Jesuits. When he was ordained he taught humanities, then was a tutor. He preached against Jansenism, advocating for dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque. There were rumors against the king, so he was imprisoned. He was spared martyrdom and was banished to England, but by then he was in poor health form being in prison. He is considered a "dry" martyr since he suffered every abuse for the faith except death. He died on February 15, 1682. He was canonized on May 31, 1992.
Despair Prayer
Lord, I am in this world to show Your mercy to others. Other people will glorify You by making visible the power of Your grace by their fidelity and constancy to You. For my part I will glorify You by making known how good You are to sinners, that Your mercy is boundless and that no sinner no matter how great his offenses should have reason to despair of pardon. If I have grievously offended You, My Redeemer, let me not offend You even more by thinking that You are not kind enough to pardon Me. Amen.
~Saint Claude de la Colombiere
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